The first OIC Ministers of Health meeting held in Malaysia during the period from 26 to 29/5/1428H has issued a number of decisions, the most important of which is Decision No. 9 regarding the health programs of pilgrims, said MOH Official Speaker Dr. Khalid Al-Marghalani.
He said the decision demanded the health authorities in all OIC and other countries to ensure their pilgrims have taken all vaccines required by Saudi Arabian health authorities. They have also been requested to take the necessary actions for preventing issuance of false vaccination certificates and to make sure that the medical missions accompanying the pilgrims include general health specialists for informing Saudi health authorities of any early discoveries. They have been told to develop, in coordination with the Saudi authorities, health education programs for their respective pilgrims, each in its local language, for ensuring healthy behavior during Hajj rituals. Member countries have also been called to take all preventive precautions by seeking the guidance of the international health regulations (2005)
Dr. Al-Marghalani said the decisions came in response to a paper submitted to the meeting by the KSA delegation member and MOH General Supervisor for International Health Dr. Hasan Al-Fakhiri under the title: Hajj Health Programs and Required commitments. He said the Kuala Lumpur Declaration agreed upon by all conferees appreciated the role of the Malaysian government in hosting the conference, sent congratulations to the Islamic Development Bank for establishing the Poverty Combating Fund, and welcomed an Iranian invitation for hosting the second conference in 2008. The declaration called upon OIC members to consolidate their cooperation with WHO in its efforts in combating international health hazards such as AIDS, TB, and Malaria. They have also been urged to assist in implementing the MOH decision for combating avian flue, which has been taken in its 60th session; to support international organizations, such as WHO and UNICEF, in their efforts to help member countries expand their vaccination programs to reach all children; and to produce their vaccines locally. The members were advised to develop tough laws for combating smoking, and to be aware that eradicating polio is a top priority necessitating financial, religious and political support. OIC General Secretariat, the Islamic Development Bank, and WHO were called to form a consolatory tripartite forum for combating diseases and pandemics.
The Kingdom participated in the meeting by a delegation headed by the Minister of Health Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Mane. His Highness headed the sitting allotted for securing vaccines to member countries.